Thyroid disease and associated illness in the elderly.

Unlike younger populations with thyroid disease, elderly patients often have multiple complex illnesses coincident with their thyroid disease. This article focuses on common geriatric problems that interact with thyroid disease, including osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, lipid abnormalities, autoimmune diseases, dementia, and malnutrition. Recognition that thyroid disease can cause or aggravate these disorders will lead to their early detection and appropriate therapy.